What Can I Do to Lower My Energy Bills in Keokuk?

Posted March 4, 2016

What Can I Do to Lower My Energy Bills in Keokuk?

If you’re wanting to save money, a great place to begin is right inside your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling your home typically makes up about 48% of your utility bill. Some of the best ways to start saving money don’t necessitate a large investment of money or time. If you haven’t scheduled your furnace service for the year, that’s the perfect place to start. We also have a few additional tips that can help keep your expenses as low as possible.

Schedule an Energy Audit

If you get a hold of your local utility provider, they will come do an energy audit of your home. These services are often provided free-of-charge and assess everything that is showing up on your monthly bill, from your heating and cooling system to your kitchen and laundry appliances. A lot of utility companies also have rebates for insulation and other items that can increase your home’s efficiency.

Smartly Program Your Programmable Thermostat

Thermostats have come a long way, and the technology behind them only continues to expand. For example, the iComfort S30 is able to use the GPS In your smartphone to determine when you’re leaving and makes the proper change to help you save money and increase efficiency while you’re not home. When you return home, everything returns to normal and you don’t have to worry about anything. It’s also able to adjust to your routine, so when baseball and football seasons roll around, your thermostat can make the correct adjustment.

The Department of Energy notes that a well programmed thermostat may

lower your heating costs by up to 35% and your cooling costs by up to 25%. Set your thermostat as low as you can, while ensuring you’re comfortable in the winter and as high as comfortable in the summer. There are several different models to select from so pick the one that best adapts to your schedule and needs.

If your schedule changes a lot, a 7-day model is more than likely your best bet. They provide you the flexibility to set different programs for each day. These typically have four possible temperature stages every day.

There are also 5+2 and 5-1-1 models. These models are ideal if you maintain the same schedule on weekdays and a separate one for weekends.

Selecting and Maintaining Your System

If you think you’re nearing the point where your system will need to be replaced, it’s a good idea to research all of your options so you can make an informed decision when the time arrives. Check out the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of air conditioners and the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of the furnaces. The higher the ratings, the greater the savings. As always, our furnace and A/C experts will help you make a well-informed decision that adapts to you and your needs.

If you’re not at that point, a simple furnace service and routine maintenance can keep your system operating smoothly and efficiently. If you haven’t set up your furnace service for the year or are having any sort of questions about your system or possibilities, give us a call at 319-229-2318.

WM J Kraus & Son delivers dependable, quality service to homeowners in the Keokuk area. Our experienced technicians are well-trained and knowledgeable on all HVAC products, so you’ll be confident knowing you can trust us. The team at WM J Kraus & Son adheres to high standards and are dedicated to providing the best customer service, whether you’re looking for a new HVAC system or need maintenance on your current system. If you have questions or need assistance with your HVAC system, contact us at 319-229-2318 or schedule an appointment online to get started on your home comfort needs!